Fact Check: On October 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell in federal court, alleging that LAPD officers routinely violate journalists' rights during protests.

Fact Check: "On October 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell in federal court, alleging that LAPD officers routinely violate journalists' rights during protests."

What We Know

On October 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Press Club and the investigative outlet Status Coup filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. The lawsuit alleges that LAPD officers have repeatedly violated journalists' rights during protests, particularly those related to immigration raids in Los Angeles. The complaint cites instances of police using excessive force against journalists, which the plaintiffs argue infringes upon their First Amendment rights to free press and the Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process.

The lawsuit details multiple incidents where journalists were allegedly targeted with less-lethal munitions while covering protests. For example, the complaint mentions Australian television correspondent Lauren Tomasi, who was struck by a less-lethal round while broadcasting live. Additionally, Adam Rose, the press rights chair of the L.A. Press Club, reported over 50 incidents of potential violations against journalists during these protests, indicating a pattern of behavior by the LAPD that has been criticized for years (Washington Post, Hollywood Reporter).

Analysis

The claim that the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup filed a lawsuit on October 9, 2023, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post provides a detailed account of the lawsuit, including quotes from involved parties and specific allegations made against the LAPD. The source is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic integrity.

The Hollywood Reporter corroborates the details of the lawsuit, confirming the plaintiffs' claims regarding police violence against journalists. This source is also reputable within the media industry and adds weight to the assertion that the LAPD's actions have been under scrutiny for violating journalists' rights.

Furthermore, the lawsuit is framed within a broader context of ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the media, particularly during protests. The involvement of the L.A. Press Club, an organization dedicated to advocating for journalists, lends additional credibility to the claims made in the lawsuit (The Wrap).

While the LAPD has not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation, their historical pattern of behavior regarding journalists at protests has been documented and criticized in various reports, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents (National Press Club).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on October 9, 2023, alleging violations of journalists' rights is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the details of the lawsuit and the serious allegations made against the LAPD regarding their treatment of journalists during protests.

Sources

1. CHINESE AMERICANS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.: A HISTORIC ...
2. Press club sues Los Angeles, police chief over alleged attacks on ...
3. Los Angeles will pay $300,000 to settle a lawsuit against journalist ...
4. 前缀oct-表示“八”，那么为何October意为十月？_百度知道
5. Press Advocacy Groups Sue LAPD, Chief Jim McDonnell for Alleged ...
6. National Press Club Condemns Police Targeting of ...
7. 英语的1~12月的缩写是什么？_百度知道
8. Press Group Sues Los Angeles, LAPD Over Alleged Assaults at Protests